For Android 8.0 and above
Oreo (8.0), Pie (9.0), Android 10 & Android 11
- Download the desired app (.apk file)
- Open it through file explorer or through browser,
- Depending from which app you try to install the apk from Android will ask you to give “Install Unknown Apps” permission to that app
- Grant the permission
- Go back and open the apk file again this time it will show Install or Cancel.
- Tap Install
- Done, you’ve succesfully install the application.
For Android 7.0 ( Nougat ) and below
For Android versions below Oreo (8.0) its a tad different and easier process.
- Download
- Enable “Install from Unknown Sources” from security settings.
- Install the app
- Done
Here it’s tad easier when compared to Android 8 but Google is trying to make it difficult in the name of Security
Why to install apps from external sources?
Sometimes you may wanna install apps from external sources instead of the traditional Google Play Store for various reasons such as
- Want to access Geo-restricted apps
- Unable to download from Google servers
- Internet issues
- Want to share the app to someone
- App no more available on the play store
- Want to pretest alpha, beta or use and old version of an app
Downsides of installing apps unknown sources
- Some apps might be malicious or pirated
- App might not auto-update through google play store
- App might not be compatible with your device and may fail to install
